Category: soul-ish

Religion, philosophy, spirituality writ large

  • Christmas Carols in Prose #10: With Wondering Awe (a.k.a. Laudis Corona)

    Eliza Codex 24 (Ethiopian biblical manuscript)
    Eliza Codex 24 (Ethiopian biblical manuscript)

    The wise men, with wondering awe, saw the star springing in heaven. And with delight they heard the angels singing in the peaceful nighttime: “To his name hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!”

    They traveled far by starlight to seek the lowly manger—the humble bed wherein the wondrous little stranger was laid. “To his name hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!”

    And around the world the old and hallowed story is still found. And the angels’ song of glory is still sung in every tongue: “To his name hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!”

    The heavenly star is throwing its rays afar on every land. It won’t cease until holy peace is growing in all the earth. “To his name hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!”

    [Original Text: author unknown]

  • Christmas Carols in Prose #9: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

    Engel erscheint den Hirten (The angel appears to the shepherd)
    Engel erscheint den Hirten (The angel appears to the shepherd)

    Listen! The angel heralds sing glory to the newborn king! “Peace and mild mercy on earth, God and sinners are reconciled!” All you nations rise joyfully. Join the skies’ triumph. Proclaim with the angelic host—Christ is born in Bethlehem!

    Hail the heaven-born prince of peace! Hail righteousness’s son! He brings light and life to all. He has risen like the sun with healing rays. Mildly he sets his glory aside. He was born that people might not die anymore. He was born to raise earth’s children. He was born to give them second birth.

    [Original Text: Charles Wesley]

  • Christmas Carols in Prose #8: O Little Town of Bethlehem

    The Wise Men from the East ("Die Weisen aus dem Morgenlande") by Paul Mohn
    The Wise Men from the East (“Die Weisen aus dem Morgenlande”) by Paul Mohn

    Little town of Bethlehem, we see you lie so still. The silent stars go by above your deep and dreamless sleep, yet the everlasting light shines in your dark streets. Tonight the hopes and fears of all the years meet in you.

    For Christ is born of Mary, and the angels, all gathered together up above, keep their watch of wondering love while mortals sleep. Morning stars, proclaim the holy birth together. Sing praises to God the king, and sing peace to people on earth.

    The wondrous gift is given so silently. That’s how God imparts the blessings of his heaven to human hearts. It might be that nobody will hear his coming, but in this world of sin the dear Christ still comes in where meek souls will receive him.

    [Original Text: Phillips Brooks]